Dresden is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year but in the winter with the influx of Christmas markets, it really comes to life. The Striezelmarkt, the largest of the Dresdens Christmas markets , constantly makes the list for the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany. Its other claim to fame is that is also the longest running German Christmas market.
But there is more to Dresden Christmas markets than just the Striezelmarkt. Within only a short walk you will come across many more Christmas markets to explore.
Hot Gluhwein, gorgeous decorations and hearty food is a common theme in all the markets. But the wonderful thing about the Christmas markets in Dresden is that each market is different with its own unique atmosphere
Keep reading to find out about the best Christmas Markets in Dresden that make Dresden the Christmas capital of Germany.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN DRESDEN
Find out why Dresden is the Christmas capital of Germany Click To Tweet
DRESDEN STRIEZELMARKT
Built from the ground up each year, it is hard to believe this market lasts only a month. Permanent looking wooden buildings housing a Christmas bakery and a children’s cinema sit alongside perfectly decorated stands.
Each stand is decorated not only on the front façade but also on the roof of each hut is a Christmas scene. Many of the scenes are animated, so make sure that you look up from your Gluhwein to spot these treasures.
Get the best view of these rooftop escapades from the Ferris wheel.
Travelling with kids to the Christmas markets? Take Children to bake cookies in the Weihnachtsbäckerei, make decorations or watch a Christmas cartoon in the small cinema.
CHRISTMAS AT THE FRAUENKIRCHE: ADVENT ON THE NEUMARKT
The Frauenkirche is one of the best-known landmarks in Dresden. The large Baroque Church was badly damaged during the second world war and reopened in 2005.
The Christmas Market sits on the Neumarkt square in front of the Frauenkirche.
A recreation of a typical market for the period 1830 to 1920, you’ll find only handcrafted, quality and historic items for sale here. Handmade chocolates, wood-fired bread stuffed with melted cheese, and copper pots of steaming drinks give an artisanal feel to the market. Christmas trees simply decorated with the traditional Herrnhuter stars, a nativity scene and church choirs, give the market a relaxed atmosphere that makes you slow your walk and linger.
CHRISTMAS AT THE FRAUENKIRCHE: MÜNZGASSE LANE
Sitting on the opposite side of the Frauenkirche is a small market running down the narrow cobbled street of Münzgasse.
It can get quite crowded here but a walk down the small street is worth it, if only for the view back from the top of the stairs. The alley providing a frame to the glittering lights of the market, the large revolving Pyramid with its carved wooden figures and the grand baroque church behind.
Every day at 4 pm Santa comes with treats for children
I love the baked apples sold along here. Served drizzled with hot vanilla sauce and cool whipped cream, an optional shot of schnapps added to the sauce takes it to next level decadence.
Another stand I frequent here is to the left of the tunnel, the decorations sold here, while they don’t have the details and craftsmanship of those from the Ore mountains, are German made and very well priced.
MEDIEVAL MARKET IN THE STALLHOFF
The Medieval Market is my firm favourite, maybe it is something to do with the honey mead with whisky sold here that I am quite partial to.
The medieval Christmas market is held in the Stallhoff, the internal courtyard, part of the city palace, was used as an arena for jousting tournaments.
With a distinctly masculine vibe, the white arches which run along one side are adorned with sculptures of stag heads sporting long antlers. Stallholders dress in traditional outfits and food here is cooked over open fires.
You can try your hand at archery or grab some friends, leave your modesty and soak it the hot wooden barrel tubs.
Jugglers, brass bands and fire breathers frequently entertain market goers.
ROMANTIC MARKET AT THE CASTLE
Sitting on the square between the Taschenberg Palace on one side and the Dresden City Palace on the other side a small market is perfectly positioned for a stopover.
The Dresden Palace hold a number of museums. In the New and Historic Green Vault you can view the treasures of August the Strong.
The Kempinski Hotel in the Taschenberg Palace brings ice skating to the city in the winter.
The elegant internal courtyard turns into an ice skating rink, complete with a hot chocolate and gluhwein bar to keep the skaters warm.
The stalls at the market are similar to those at the Striezelmarkt and there is a small Merry-go-round ride for children.
WINTERLIGHT MARKET ON PRAGER STRASSE
Dresden welcomes its visitors arriving by train with the Christmas Market along the popular shopping street of Prager Strasse.
Stands occupy both sides of the wide pedestrianised street, making a great place for shoppers to enjoy the Christmas season.
Every evening, to a schedule, the 15 meter Christmas tree is lit in a choreographed display of music and light
AUGUSTUS MARKET
Crossing from the old town the street is marked by the almost blinding Golden Rider, the statue of Augustus the Strong on horseback, gilded with gold leaf.
White tents line each side of the tree-lined Hauptstrasse. The stands here have a distinctly international feel. Empanada’s, curry and wok-fried noodles are washed down with hot Italian mulled wine and vodka-spiked drinks from the Russian stand.
There is plenty of variety and choice here with the regional specialities also well represented.
This market breaks with the traditions and is less kitschy than the markets in the Old Town.
At the centre of the market, the traditional green Christmas tree is replaced by a branching blue LED tree dripping with blinking icicles, a delight for Disney Frozen fans.
NEUSTÄDTER GELICHTER
Undercover from the elements the Neustadter Gelichter is only in its 8th year. Held at the Scheune, a trendy cultural centre in the centre of Dresden’s hip Neustadt district.
The Christmas market is along Alaunstrasse, before the junction with Louisenstrasse.
I haven’t been to this market yet, so please let me know what it is like if you go.
A guide to the best Christmas Markets in Dresden Germany Click To Tweet
HÜTTENZAUBER AT POSTPLATZ
Between the transport hub of PostPlatz and the Zwinger is the Hüttenzauber Christmas Market.
The Apres ski themed market targets the after work and party crowd, the party continues into the night like an outdoor dance club.
ELBHANGFEST CHRISTMAS MARKET IN LOSCHWITZ
Sitting a little outside the main city this small but charming market is one of the favourites with locals. Take the tram from the city to Schillerplatz and cross at the Blaue Wunder (Blue wonder) bridge to the location of the market on Friedrich-Wieck-Strasse. Head here if you want to experience the feeling of a village Christmas market. This market only runs for 2 weeks so be sure to check the opening times.
Which Christmas Market do you think would be your favourite? Click To Tweet
Which one would you like to visit?
Follow me on facebook if you would like to see more.
PIN IT:
